Checking My Privilege

Why I don't apologize for white privilege.

There is a phrase that floats around college campuses, Princeton being no exception, that threatens to strike down opinions without regard for their merits, but rather solely on the basis of the person that voiced them. “Check your privilege,” the saying goes, and I have been reprimanded by it several times this year.

The phrase, handed down by my moral superiors, descends recklessly, like a drone, and aims laser-like at my pinkish-peach complexion, my maleness, and the nerve I displayed in offering an opinion rooted in a personal Weltanschauung. “Check your privilege,” they tell me in a command that teeters between an imposition to actually explore how I got where I am, and a reminder that I ought to feel personally apologetic because white males seem to pull most of the strings in the world.

It diminishes the hard work I’ve done, and ascribes the fruit I sow to some invisible patron saint of white maleness who places it out for me.

I do not accuse those who “check” me and my perspective of overt racism, although the phrase, which assumes that simply because I belong to a certain ethnic group I should be judged collectively with it, toes that line. But I do condemn them for diminishing everything I have personally accomplished, all the hard work I have done in my life, and for ascribing all the fruit I reap not to the seeds I sow but to some invisible patron saint of white maleness who places it out for me before I even arrive. Furthermore, I condemn them for casting the equal protection clause, indeed the very idea of a meritocracy, as a myth, and for declaring that we are all governed by invisible forces (some would call them “stigmas” or “societal norms”), that our nation runs on racist and sexist conspiracies. Forget “you didn’t build that;” check your privilege and realize that nothing you have accomplished is real.

But they can’t be telling me that everything I’ve done with my life can be credited to the racist patriarchy holding my hand throughout my years of education and eventually guiding me into Princeton. Even that is too extreme. So to find out what they are saying, I decided to take their advice. I actually went and checked the origins of my privileged existence, to empathize with those whose underdog stories I can’t possibly comprehend. I have unearthed some examples of the privilege with which my family was blessed, and now I think I better understand those who assure me that skin color allowed my family and I to flourish today.

Perhaps it’s the privilege my grandfather and his brother had to flee their home as teenagers when the Nazis invaded Poland, leaving their mother and five younger siblings behind, running and running until they reached a Displaced Persons camp in Siberia, where they would do years of hard labor in the bitter cold until World War II ended. Maybe it was the privilege my grandfather had of taking on the local Rabbi’s work in that DP camp, telling him that the spiritual leader shouldn’t do hard work, but should save his energy to pass Jewish tradition along to those who might survive. Perhaps it was the privilege my great-grandmother and those five great-aunts and uncles I never knew had of being shot into an open grave outside their hometown. Maybe that’s my privilege.

Or maybe it’s the privilege my grandmother had of spending weeks upon weeks on a death march through Polish forests in subzero temperatures, one of just a handful to survive, only to be put in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where she would have died but for the Allied forces who liberated her and helped her regain her health when her weight dwindled to barely 80 pounds.

Perhaps my privilege is that those two resilient individuals came to America with no money and no English, obtained citizenship, learned the language and met each other; that my grandfather started a humble wicker basket business with nothing but long hours, an idea, and an iron will – to paraphrase the man I never met: “I escaped Hitler. Some business troubles are going to ruin me?” Maybe my privilege is that they worked hard enough to raise four children, and to send them to Jewish day school and eventually City College.

Perhaps it was my privilege that my own father worked hard enough in City College to earn a spot at a top graduate school, got a good job, and for 25 years got up well before the crack of dawn, sacrificing precious time he wanted to spend with those he valued most – his wife and kids – to earn that living. I can say with certainty there was no legacy involved in any of his accomplishments. The wicker business just isn’t that influential. Now would you say that we’ve been really privileged? That our success has been gift-wrapped?

That’s the problem with calling someone out for the “privilege” which you assume has defined their narrative. You don’t know what their struggles have been, what they may have gone through to be where they are. Assuming they’ve benefitted from “power systems” or other conspiratorial imaginary institutions denies them credit for all they’ve done, things of which you may not even conceive. You don’t know whose father died defending your freedom. You don’t know whose mother escaped oppression. You don’t know who conquered their demons, or may still be conquering them now.

Behind every success, large or small, there is a story, and it isn’t always told by sex or skin color.

The truth is, though, that I have been exceptionally privileged in my life, albeit not in the way any detractors would have it.

It has been my distinct privilege that my grandparents came to America. First, that there was a place at all that would take them from the ruins of Europe. And second, that such a place was one where they could legally enter, learn the language, and acclimate to a society that ultimately allowed them to flourish.

It was their privilege to come to a country that grants equal protection under the law to its citizens, that cares not about religion or race, but the content of your character.

It was my privilege that my grandfather was blessed with resolve and an entrepreneurial spirit, and that he was lucky enough to come to the place where he could realize the dream of giving his children a better life than he had.

But far more important for me than his attributes was the legacy he sought to pass along, which forms the basis of what detractors call my “privilege,” but which actually should be praised as one of altruism and self-sacrifice. Those who came before us suffered for the sake of giving us a better life. When we similarly sacrifice for our descendants by caring for the planet, it’s called “environmentalism,” and is applauded. But when we do it by passing along property and a set of values, it’s called “privilege.” Such sacrifice of any form shouldn’t be scorned, but admired.

My exploration did yield some results. I recognize that it was my parents’ privilege and now my own that there is such a thing as an American dream which is attainable even for a penniless Jewish immigrant.

I am privileged that values like faith and education were passed along to me. My grandparents played an active role in my parents’ education, and some of my earliest memories included learning the Hebrew alphabet with my Dad. It’s been made clear to me that education begins in the home, and the importance of parents’ involvement with their kids’ education – from mathematics to morality – cannot be overstated. It’s not a matter of white or black, male or female or any other division which we seek, but a matter of the values we pass along, the legacy we leave, that perpetuates “privilege.” And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Behind every success, large or small, there is a story, and it isn’t always told by sex or skin color. My appearance certainly doesn’t tell the whole story, and to assume that it does and that I should apologize for it is insulting. While I haven’t done everything for myself up to this point in my life, someone sacrificed himself so that I can lead a better life. But that is a legacy I am proud of.

Visitor Comments: 150

(90)
Anonymous,
July 17, 2014 11:58 PM

needless

I think his should have been some kind of bedroom opinion otherwise he might be seen as displaying childish arrogance. Though it might not have been the case for Tal, checking your privilege is a practical reality all over the world as it was in US history. Tal should know that too many African American men and women who are as proud and successful as he is owe their success to the brain and industry of their ancestors.

(89)
Susan,
June 20, 2014 9:33 PM

White Male Privilege is real, even if Jews do suffer

This person is conflating "privilege" with "never having problems". In the general world, the writer is still a white male & still gets privileges he hasn't earned - and probably doesn't even notice. It's embarrassing to see any Jew refuse to acknowledge that somebody, somewhere, might have actually suffered something we haven't.

(88)
Ailisheva,
May 13, 2014 10:07 PM

True Privilege

The truth is that most people in the US today are descendants of immigrants somehow. The first and maybe the second generation can be difficult just because being in a new country always brings challenges. Many won't recognise the person from an immigrant family once the accents are gone. The US has become so diverse. Most people in the US love accents and foreigners. Many foreigners are treated like royalty. Yet this is not always the case depending on which ethnic group one adheres to. Large groups of people who don't want to integrate, learn the language or dress/act the way the locals do are always looked down on no matter which country is in question. Still I really believe that humans have a terrible tendency to be racist. If everyone were the same colour, people would find something else like eye or hair colour to discriminate against. I am a Jewish-Caribbean-Afro-Eurasian-Amerindian-American Latina. I am the first generation of an immigrant family to be born in the US. When my parents first came to the US they faced many challenges including racism. My father worked his way starting with such jobs as stitching brooms before working his way through school and achieving his dream to become a physician. Was there any privilege? Yes because of their thick foreign accents my parents sometimes were treated better then other brownish looking people. They also passed on to me the desire to catch a hold of my dreams and a strong work ethic while maintaining values. etc.etc. The truth is that true privilege is the legacy that parents pass on to their children. We are all a collective of what came before us. Compassion and empathy are about having eyes to see the struggles of others regardless of pigmentation or lack thereof. Everyone should travel to see other cultures and to just loose the chip off of the shoulder and replace it with compassion and empathy for others regardless of who they are or where they came from.

(87)
mark,
May 13, 2014 8:41 PM

Confoundng 2 different questions

Tal is confused. He thinks that Princeton rejects his success and denies it because he is white and wealthy and that gave him unfair advantage. But his Jewish family even in the most adverse conditions where able to pass on the Mesorah to him and through this his family was able to achieve .

(86)
yosef,
May 13, 2014 7:16 PM

Great article!

(85)
HFKNY,
May 13, 2014 3:08 PM

Kudos!

As a Jewish, straight, White female I have been the subject of discrimination and reverse discrimination all of my life. I, too, have checked my privilege and I apologize for nothing.
I also do not feel that those who view themselves morally superior have the right to tell me how I should feel, think, or what I am allowed to say. I will eventually be judged, as will we all, and it is not going to be by anyone walking this earth.

(84)
Anonymous,
May 12, 2014 12:21 PM

Remember you were once a stranger in Mitzraim

It is unfortunate that we continually fail to forget that. We get to a certain point and forget what we are told to say everyday. And instead selfishly believe it is completely through the work of our hands. We then sit back and say look what I have done and then say the reason why is because of me. Why can't you do the same.

(83)
Bruno Gideon,
May 11, 2014 3:25 PM

Not only us, the Jews

This is an interesting article and I think we should extend our view. The way his families overcame those adversities are admirable; but historically, in America people with dark skin would not have fared so well in the same period. If his ancestors had been black and came to America, the outcome may not have been so fortunate for him. A black man making baskets, as his great grandfather did would likely have been ignored in the 40's, or worse. And in the early 60's many schools wouldn't accept blacks, and those that did graduate faced discrimination in hiring after college because of the color of their skin. Race is much less of an issue today, but that was not the case historically in the US, that is why I am writing this comment. Just for your information, I am a white Jewish person who also suffered a lot during WW2.

(82)
Anonymous,
May 11, 2014 9:34 AM

Now & then......

In Germany, and regrettably other parts of Europe-being white was just not enough....think again

(81)
Anonymous,
May 11, 2014 1:23 AM

bravo!!!

The title bespeaks my sentiments. I hope you have intentions of supporting the other privileged people of furthering your remarks. Hopefully this will balance the issue that is if the accussors are open to discussion.

(80)
Danny M,
May 11, 2014 12:59 AM

Oh boy.

The leftist looneys have taken over most of the colleges. How sad.

(79)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2014 11:25 PM

HIS- story

If Moses had just accepted the 'adoption' privilege. If Esther had only accepted the 'substitute queen' privilege.

Being Jewish is not just a privilege--it is an honor, and a responsibility.

(78)
Human,
May 9, 2014 3:55 AM

racism

White privilege and male privilege are very real (You think the civil rights movements were what - Just a bunch of people who had nothing better to do? You think magically now there's no more racism or sexism in America?). Yes, we Jews as a group have many good qualities and there's nothing wrong with being proud of that - diligence, work ethic, dedication, compassion, hospitality. Tal's family history paints a beautiful picture of these qualities in action and that's wonderful. But to deny the reality of white male privilege is simply anachronistic. It is real. It stands on the backs of many dead, among them blacks, natives all over the world, JEWS, muslims and others. This goes back thousands of years and is reflected in the institutions of the West to this day. Racial profiling happens - both against blacks and in favour of whites. Not only does it happen, it happens on a large enough scale to rule out the possibility of anomaly. It is institutional and that is why it's so dangerous - because it's no longer overt. You can't point to it and say, like you could at a pogrom, "look, that's racism". It's invisibility is what makes it so dangerous. And really, knowing the bone chillingly gruesome history of the accomplishment of the white privilege borne first of Roman imperialism and later perpetuated through colonialism, why would you want any part of it? The current system is horribly unjust and as Jews we should be working toward building a better world for all.

(77)
Aaron,
May 8, 2014 9:44 PM

Best reply

So one-liners consist syllogisms and evidence now? Oh, I forgot! Aristotle was a privileged white male! But if one-liners are a valid and sound argument so is this retort: "Check your presumptuousness!"

(76)
Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 9:13 PM

Don't stop growing and never forget

Young man, as a freshman, you are doing well. Keep going. I hope I have the pleasure of hearing your name in Washington, in the not too distant future. Start as Congressman and work from there. You have what it takes. Never forget. Keep growing.

(75)
Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 7:32 PM

Your privelege is your heritage, is your Judaism.

Our true privilege goes beyond our parents, grandparents, and America; it is our Judaism. Our privilege was inherited from our father Abraham. It is his burning passion that still runs like fire through our veins and has the power to warm a Jew through a death march and help him rebuild his life after a holocaust. It is our ambission to achieve, connect and reach for the stars that makes us soar above the nations of the world. We cannot "check" our privilege because it is part of the fabric of our being. Our success is from G-d. It is also the product of our efforts to actualize our dreams which are themselves divine. We are privileged to feel a deep sense of meaning in life, progress, and creative work. We are privileged to be Jewish. Our destiny is to be a light unto the nations and a Holy people. What our example does to their conscience is up to them. Let us pray that the people of the world choose well, and choose truth and morality. Let them not resent us, but follow the higher path that we have set before them.

(74)
Brian Knight,
May 8, 2014 3:55 PM

The definition of white male privilege:

White male privilege, as it exists, is an American phenomenon created by 400 years of bondage slavery and economic geographical slavery subsequent to bondage, of people of color, mostly of visibly mostly african descent = black skin. You can be convicted of “fitting the description, of being black in vicinity of any recent crime, not being where you’re supposed to be while black (being in a white neighborhood/Trayvon), driving while black, walking while black, having a drink while black, speaking while black, and serve prison time for any of those offenses as long as you’re poor enough to need a public defender, even TODAY. You can be murdered publicly after committing no crime in America today for being black and no one will actually be convicted of the crime. These things do not happen to white males!White males do not have to worry about walking into a store while black. Was it a privilege when we were in bondage? Was the long period, post Hebrew slavery, in the desert, shaking off the psychology of slavery, a privilege? Be proud of being a Jew, yes, but, don’t do it at the expense of all other Jews and all people of color in America still suffering from racism and poverty. It will not pan out in the long run.

Human,
May 9, 2014 3:59 AM

Well Said!

Very well said. In the same vein, I invite people to read this and mentally complete the short questionnaire at the end. It highlights how white privilege operates against minorities while remaining invisible to whites.

http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf

(73)
Jake,
May 8, 2014 3:16 PM

Proud to be Jewish

I posted a link to this article on my facebook page, and one of my "friends" actually wrote "Pretty funny to see Jews talking like they're white, because they're not. Jews will never be white as long as they have even one drop of Jew blood in them."
I knew he was kind of racist, but I didn't know he was that racist. Jews ARE white, and we deserve every bit of white privilege.
Needless to say, I "unfriended" him, even though I'm kind of afraid that now if there's a pogrom he's going to come after me first lol. (actually, I don'tthink there would ever be a pogrom in my town, because outside of the Jewish neighborhoods it's mostly black people, and they would probably think it was too much work to make a pogrom, lol. Actually some of them go to our synagogue even though nobody talks to them lol.
I love Aish.com. Thanks for standing up for white Jewish pride.

Sharon,
May 8, 2014 5:09 PM

that's not a racist comment

I always wrote "other". Some Jews may have light skin, but white usually means WASP. Jews can be any color, but that's how I identify myself. It overrides Caucasian.

sarah j,
May 8, 2014 10:54 PM

thank you!

Thank you for making this point! I converted to Judaism. I'm white. Hardly any Jews are white, but they like to think they are because it makes them feel like their families have successfully integrated into American life, and it gives them a sense of protection from persecution. But in reality, it's an illusion, because I can tell you what most non-Jews won't tell you because it's not PC to say it: most people don't see Jews as white. And they're not. When someone tells Tal to check his white privilege, the correct answer isn't that he deserves his privilege, the correct answer is that he's not white.

zachariah,
May 8, 2014 5:54 PM

honesty

well at least you ADMIT your disdain for us

Anonymous,
May 13, 2014 7:54 PM

Funny? lol?

So you have black people who attend your synagogue and no one will talk to them. You find this funny. I find it pathetic.

(72)
Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 1:45 PM

don't pay attention to them

they are brainwashed with the liberal mindset and probably do not even realize it.Everything we have, get or earned comes from Hashem. AS has been stated-be proud you are a Jew

(71)
s,
May 8, 2014 9:04 AM

different types

I agree, people should not generalize white males as all being privileged. Everyone has their own story and challenges. We are all different and people should understand that.

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 4:00 PM

That’s not what white privilege is.

White privilege is an American phenomenon. It’s an invisible, unrequested, shield against discrimination by color of skin. You don’t even know you receive the benefit of it when you do, it’s not vocalized s such every time, often never, just a cultural bias exercised by employers, business owners, police, courts, judges and juries, and since skin color often accompanies poverty in America as a lever of the cultivated eco racial bias, even rich black males experience the bias that white males do not.

(70)
Ellen,
May 8, 2014 3:09 AM

crock o' hooey

He apologizes for nothing, because he is convinced that he deserves everything he has. What he doesn't seem to realize is that plenty of other people deserve it too, but they can't have it due to white male privilege.

James,
May 8, 2014 2:17 PM

crock o' hooey

You're correct Ellen, your comment IS a crock o' hooey !

Brian Knight,
May 8, 2014 3:38 PM

Correct

He doesn’t even have the correct definition of “White male privilege” in the first place, so, this article, published, now makes us (white looking Jews) all look like racists for being whitish looking, regardless of ethnicity, way of life, or personal belief. It’s an embarrassment.

(69)
Jaime Lopez Ortega (CHAIM),
May 8, 2014 2:56 AM

ours, sacrificed for us, But others did sacrifice others for us.

My Dear Fellow, I shall not attempt an argument as such but merely state a fact. I also wish others would stop saying that to the priviledged. By Now we all should have learned that no one can understand the premise through discussion of any sort, much less through adversarial methods. Case in point. Nothing short of the actual experience of walking in anothers shoes shall ever sufficiently settle in anyone's mind and heart the definitive answer to the rhetorical question as to whether or not "priviledge" does exist at the level claimed for it or is a legal fiction. I also agree that shame as opposed to pride helps no one in any substantial way. We No longer have to feel ashamed of so many things that affected our previous generations. We simply do not have any point of reference that would allow us to do so. We have been set free from so much. However, the danger of perception is as real today as ever, and with our new found freedom we have also inherited the comcomitant blindness of believing in a past that never was quite what we were led to believe it was, in terms of, "justice, equality and fraternity", to borrow a phrase. To Make matters worse our children have come to convince themselves that what they have accepted as solid historical fact is also accepted by all other parties extant and part of the proceedings and so have dropped their guard. I ask you to ask your hearts. Will this denial increase our compassionate empathy toward others who decry in us what is to them and others acquainted with history a foul beyond belief? Will it inspire us to work to make a better world than the one we had handed to us.. (Oops, I mean that we built with our lown hands and backs). You be the Judge...!!! After all is said and done, at the end of the day, live as though history had never happened. We are believing that others feel that life has been fair to them as well as US.. Watch out!

(68)
Robert Dorsky,
May 8, 2014 1:12 AM

Be proud. You are a Jew.

Tal you speak of 'the privilege' of your family surviving the holocaust. But you miss the greatest privilege of all. You and I and all Jews stood at Sinai and received the Torah. Yes you are different. You are a Jew. Be proud.

(67)
Jonathan,
May 8, 2014 12:22 AM

Some perspective, please.

Too much anger and self-righteous indignation in this need to express these self congratulatory comments. Just do right and do well, with Hillel's comments about real self pride tempered by interdependency as your guide. - If I am not for myself, who will be for me. If I am only for myself, what am I. And if not now, when? (and how?)

(66)
Sondra Brown, RN-C,
May 8, 2014 12:15 AM

Real Privlege

Yes, Hashem gave me a wonderful mind, family, education and value system so I can spend the last 45 years taking care of anyone and everyone, Thanks for those privileges

(65)
Wendy,
May 7, 2014 8:07 PM

Thanks for the article

Well written & very important to speak of these things. No one knows what anyone went through to get where they are. You worked hard, and as the saying goes; no one can take that away from you. If our daughter was older, I would like her to meet you. LOL but true.

(64)
Andrea S.,
May 7, 2014 7:58 PM

He doesn't get it.

This article is an embarrassment and I wish all the media attention around it would just stop. This obnoxious, self-serving article is nearly a chilul Hashem - I think there is a good chance that anyone with anti-semitic leanings who reads this piece will feel they can add some more fuel to their anti-semitic fire.

I hope that one day in the near future, this student sitting in his ivory tower at Princeton uses some of his high-priced, privileged education to learn more about what checking one's privilege actually means. He's going to keep receiving instructions to check his white male privilege with an attitude like this.

(63)
Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 4:59 PM

If he truly understood his privilege, he would see that the experience of his grandparents and even his parents is not the experience of immigrants and that the American dream is, objectively, dead.

It is fine to be privileged. To be unaware or dismissive of the fact that others don't have your advantages and not care about them (which I presume, based on this article he does not) is not okay and not something to be proud of, as a Jew.

For the record, City College was originally free. Now it is $3000 a semester. Try telling an immigrant who earns $7 an hour that sending their kid there will be possible if they just work hard enough on achieving 'The Dream'.

Nobody is asking you to apologise, Tal, and if they are they are fools. What they may be asking is for you to think outside your sphere and care for the society in which you live and to use said privilege to make America and the world a better place to live in for all people.

(62)
zacharia,
May 7, 2014 3:10 PM

I agree with Rachel

While I agree that the author shouldn't be made to apologize for whatever he has achieved in life - Rachel makes a valid point that I think is totallylost on not only the author but those who so whole heartely applaud him. The European hardships not withstanding it would be naive to think FOR AN INSTANT that had his forebears not been Ashkenazim from Europe rather than Sephardim from Ethiopia, Cameroon, or Uganda that they would have enjoyed the same degree of accomplishment in any way shape or form. Indeed even in the off chance that his ancestors were of Ashkenazi descent but resulting from intermarriage with the schvartze[ sorry if that offends anyone but in less polite circles that's what we are called and i'm pretty sure we all know it] he wouldn't be writing this article but a TOTALLY DIFFERENT ONE altogether. They would have faced prejudice from ALL SIDES as many Jews of color did at that time. I can't speak for European persecution and I don't discount it's pain historically. I know people from the camps who have told me horrific things about those days before during and after the war so i'm not out to offend anyone but RACISM is the reality HERE and that priviledge exists. No one asks Ashkenazim with historically NON- Jewish names if they are REALLY JEWISH they save that for Jews of color - I WONDER WHY THAT IS? Are you kidding? Look the author has a right to claim his accomplishments but NOT to totally discount the affect RACISM has in this society and how it works. He can count himself most fortunate as can most of his supporters that they WILL NEVER have to be on the same end of the stick that Jews of color must endure. When Rachel recounted her friends experience there is NOT ONE member of a Black Jewish Congregation that doesn't know what that feels like and not one Ashkenazi who can say that they do

(61)
Jacqueline YaAkova,
May 7, 2014 2:36 PM

Beautifully Well Written

Love it! My sentiments exactly...and I'm an African American woman.

(60)
Lynne,
May 7, 2014 1:19 PM

blessings from hashem

If I am "privileged" (given blessings from HaShem), then I need to acknowledge the Source of my privilege.And, my being privileged does NOT prevent anyone else from achieving. .

(59)
Lynn Circle,
May 7, 2014 12:39 PM

White Privilege? I am a Minority

When I was a child in southern Indiana 60 some years ago, we spent most of the summers outdoors and barefooted. By the end of June I was so dark that no one ever thought I was white. I learned first hand what racial prejudice is. So I do not free guilty at all for all of the good things I earned in my life. My only privilege was serving in the American Army from 1961-64. Beyond that, I EARNED everything else.

(58)
Tutti Bennett,
May 7, 2014 5:23 AM

WOW!!

What a WOW article. Brilliantly written, totally true

(57)
Jose Santos,
May 7, 2014 3:01 AM

There is hope

The best part of this article was noting its author is a college freshman with interests in two subjects he clearly has a lot to learn about: history and politics. May G-d grant him continued intellectual growth and the capacity to appreciate the root and cause of all human suffering.

Assuming the author's depiction of political correctness at Princeton is accurate, I can understand why he'd be irritated.

That being said, it should also be acknowledged that in the US, our history of racism primarily affects people of color. I once complained to an African-American friend about being badly treated by a security guard because I'd gone into a fancy store on my day off in a tee shirt and denim. My friend's response: "I am treated that way every day, no matter how expensively I'm dressed."

Meanwhile, I think most non-white Americans are not aware of how Jews are still treated as the "Other" in Europe.

And frankly, as a woman old enough to be the author's mother, I can assure him that he will never know what it's like to be treated as less capable or intelligent because of his gender.

We would all be better off if we started looking not at groups but as individuals.

I think idealistic young Jews (as well as other whites) really understood this during our civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 60s, coming as they did so soon after the horrors of the Second World War. It's unfortunate that people have become so alienated from each other. I also think that if the author (even today) went to some parts of the US south, he would be appalled at the fundamentalist Christian assumption that he's damned unless he converts. (I have encountered this in the last couple of years.)

And while I'm not suggesting it, in the US Jews can opt out of Judaism. As I became more observant, I've been subjected to a lot more anti-Semitic comments than when my clothing didn't demonstrate my Jewishness. Again -- not suggesting this -- most people of color cannot blend in because they can't change their skin tone.

The Holocaust survivors in my husband's family are far more sympathetic to the plight of non-white Americans than are some of their (privileged) younger relatives, as well as the author.

Toni,
May 7, 2014 6:25 PM

White privilege is not and fact, today, but a perception

'White Privilage' is a hammer to smash a White person, any White person, regardless of their financial and social status, over the head to make them feel guilty by association. It gives the people who use it a feeling of entitlement and a guilt-free use of the benefits of an unequal treatment. In the minority communities, with regard to Jews, it is often fueled by antisemitism and angst.Let me give you an example. Years ago, I worked in a hospital with a Black co-worker. One day she made a statement that unlike her, I had money. I challenged her with the facts, which were well known to her: we both had identical positions, with our pay set by the Union agreement, and since she had more seniority over me, she actually was making slightly more; our husbands had vary similar pays, any difference in pay, would had been slight; she was born in the US, while both, my husband and I were recent arrivals, having both to start from 0. I rented an apartment while she lived in Michell-Lama middle income housing. In short, we were both financially in exactly the same place, and yet she believed that somehow I was better off than she was. That's what White privilege is in a nut shell.For any working class or middle class White person to feel that they are actually benefitting from White privilege is not only silly but an expression of a paternalisting attitudes towards Black people.

There are plenty of Black people who are successful, intelligent and capable and an affirmative action only diminishes their very individual achievement, since and affirmative action presupposes lack of equal intelligence and skills on the part of the recipients. The PC police can shot up people's mouths, but cannot change that truth. It is about 50 year of Affirmative Action right now, it is high time to end the Affirmative Action for the various minorities, women and the rest of the aggrieved industry .

(55)
TMay,
May 7, 2014 2:05 AM

courage

It takes courage to write this on campuses of today. The attached photo has nothing to do with the article. It is not of the young man. I don't think Aish should have included it. A face conveys info, here incorrectly. There is such a thing as adult family of Holocaust survivors. Someone once told me that Jews were often without money, but they were never poor.

(54)
Dennis,
May 7, 2014 1:35 AM

Excellent article!

This is a very well written article by a man with the guts to state his position. Go ahead liberal America, keep putting down heterosexual white men and see where that gets you. Keep characterizing every heterosexual white man in the media as a mindless idiot who can't do anything for himself without the help of a wiser woman, gay or minority to hold his hand through everyday life and show him how to perform simple tasks. Keep diminishing the achievements, intelligence, and work ethic of heterosexual white men and see where our country goes. Keep dismissing the opinions of heterosexual white men as invalid and irrelevant due to their privilege. Keep putting down husbands, fathers, soldiers, and blue and white collar professionals as fools, racists and oblivious numbskulls and see what the result will be. If you haven't noticed, heterosexual white men are beginning to withdraw their talents and abilities from society. G-d save us all on the day that white heterosexual men stop contributing to society altogether. You tell them about their privilege, then you whine and cry that they don't want to marry you and work to build a loving relationship with you. Be my guest, insist on being "right" about heterosexual white men, and let us know how that works out for you.

rachel,
May 7, 2014 9:34 PM

great satire

On the other hand, if you are serious, you must have a serious problem. As the daughter, wife, and mother of heterosexual white men, I have never heard any of them express such paranoia. And they all respect and like gay, non-white, and/or female individuals.

dennis,
May 8, 2014 3:04 PM

Just wait

No satire. Revisit my post when your heterosexual white son gets "instructed" to check his privilege. No paranoia, awareness of a growing trend. No serious problem, not married to a dismissive and condescending woman. Mocking others in a comment section does not take the place of, nor exempt you from doing the hard work and investigation it takes to prepare your son for the situations he will face in the liberal education system, similar to those of the man who wrote this article. Energy used to mock others is better used training yourself to be a competent mother. Listen and learn from Tal, he has good advice for you.

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 3:09 PM

Good Read

"Men on Strike" by Helen Smith will be a good read for you in order to prepare your son for the real world. It's an eye opener written by a very perceptive woman.

(53)
Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 1:16 AM

Forgetting who you really are isn't a priviledge

First and last... the Jewish people are not white. They are Jewish. They can look white, black and even Asian but make no mistake about it.. They are not Anglos by any stretch. They are...Jewish. I have heard a white person say nasty things about my white Jewish boss that was hateful simply because she is Jewish. I promptly set them straight. As a black woman I was shocked at the depth of contempt of the statements. No sweetie, Caucasians do not identify you as one of them. The good news is that you are G-d's chosen people and with Abba on your side.. Who can be against you. Ps... I love His people too!

(52)
Yehudith Shraga,
May 7, 2014 1:09 AM

“Stigmas” or "Privileges"

I am the mother of two wonderful, beautiful BLONDS, and whatever the stigmas or privileges of being Blonds are, the facts are that they are the daughters of the immigrants from formal USSR, which came to Israel with 600$, which were allowed to be taken by the couple leaving the USSR, thanks G-d, today the Elder one is doing her PhD in Law in Chicago University and the Younger starts her PhD in Math in Tel-Aviv University, I may not wish for better children, as I am sure they may not complain of being Blonds.For this matter, there is a very good joke to remember: a she-monkey is sitting on the bank of the river, two crocodiles are swimming by and say to each other:" Let's ask her if she is married, if she says" yes" we would say "who has married such a monkey" and if she says: "no", we would say "who would marry such a monkey".When they did ask her their question, she looked at them and said;"there is nobody to marry, there are only the crocodiles around".

The G-d gives each of us what we most need for our spiritual development.We are all privileged.

(51)
Zondra Dell,
May 7, 2014 1:04 AM

Well Said Tal

We have a black President and Attorney General. Oprah is one of the wealthiest woman in the country. Merit is the way to success in this country. just ask our wonderful African American pediatrician. Tal did a beautiful job in this expository piece. Thank you!

(50)
Ernie-Joe,
May 7, 2014 12:00 AM

Wow!

So poignantly written, Tal. It moved my Christian heart.

How proud your parents must be of you.

(49)
Laura,
May 6, 2014 11:50 PM

There is racism, don't pretend there is not white privilege.

No one would dispute that if you work hard you can get somewhere. However there is so so much racism in the USA and elsewhere that it is hard to get anywhere if you are not white. There is a privilege there no matter what you say. If you feel like things are equal in our country, then you must be white.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 6:44 PM

Laura, I'm sorry you continue to see the US through the racism lens

It you continue to use it as a crutch, you will never get anywhere good.Believe me, as a light haired, green eyed Jew, married to a man looking even less Semitic, and a non-Jewish first and last name I have encountered plenty of antisemitism expressed by very nice and friendly people, totally unaware that they were actually speaking to a Jew. And those antisemitic individuals were of about all nationalities, colors and races, Black included.

I suppose if there is a the secret of Jewish success it is that we don't use NOT to to use antisemitism as a crutch; we just go on with our lives trying the best we can do under any given circumstances.

(48)
MIriam,
May 6, 2014 11:14 PM

Check your prejudice

is what you should tell people who tell you to check your privilege.

(47)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 11:02 PM

This kid is saying what the rest of us are afraid to

The point the author is making is that by throwing around phrases, ideas and concepts such as 'check your privilege', assumptions are made that most likely do not apply. It appears that, in the context provided, 'check your privilege' is a way to demean those that come from a 'legacy'. The author outlines the struggles of his family, not to say that his forebears struggled specifically for him, but the author illustrates that a blanket 'check your privilege' does not make sense. I applaud the author for his honesty and am saddened that as he ages he may lose his passion for speaking the truth.

(46)
victoria,
May 6, 2014 10:43 PM

Is this the best you could come up witht?

Although, I am not a white male, I have been accused of privileges that I never had by those that in actually had many more. So I understand the frustration one would feel to have to defend himself based on some nebulous categorization and untruths. With that said, this is such a poor article. Why in the world did aish.com choose to reprint it? What a waste.

To the author -- you took the time to write this? This is the best you can come up with? You may be a hardworking and talented person.

Yet, don't get confused nor forget. For each of you there are ten more. Your family, your heritage, your gender, your nationality and race matter. Even in America.

You are privileged to be born of the race, gender, place and time in which you were born. YOU have done NOTHING to deserve it, it was a GIFT to you on the merit of your forefathers. That includes an amazing legacy of your ancestors.

Next time you write something, recognize that with gifts come responsibilities. You must make this world a better place because you were given extra potential. Your responsibility is greater. That means next time when you say " I tried to see the other side", how about actually doing so?

בס״דI think I understand your argument. Yes, I am sure that you, like many of us, regardless that today we are considered "white" by some people (a term that perpetuates the racist system), had to work very hard to be where you are now. However, the term "white privileges" has become a technical term in the antiracism movement. Racism and anti-Semitism is a tragic reality in the USA and many other countries. The tragic fact is that many times, too often perhaps, we are welcomed due to the "colour" of our skin until they find we speak Yiddish or Ladino or Djudeo-Arabic and pray in a synagogue; then our efforts do not mean anything to them. Yes, when they realize we are Jewish, in many cases their attitude changes.I am very glad to read how well you have done and how you value the history of your ancestors in the process. Never forget who you are and from where you have come. Above all honour G_d, the source of our life and the one who by His love made us who we are today. Honour G_d even in times when we have not acomplish everything we wish or could be. Honour G_d by standing for justice, loving mercy and living humbly before Him (Micah 6:8).שלום וברכהRespectfully,Frantz

(44)
Malka,
May 6, 2014 9:29 PM

This boy is confused

I am lost for words.

(43)
Judith Dowla,
May 6, 2014 9:18 PM

Tal & The Privilege

We are to be a light unto the nations. Way to go Tal. Tell it like it is. You go boy you go. Thanks for being yourself.

(42)
Rebecca C.,
May 6, 2014 9:15 PM

Amen

This is an amazing article - and SO badly needed in our hypocritical society which in the name of fighting prejudice pre-judges shamefully with reverse racism and sexism. Standing up for women or minorities should never be equated with denigrating or diminishing the rights or dignity of men or whites or any other individuals.

(41)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 7:38 PM

Very good and proper. Very well written.

(40)
David,
May 6, 2014 7:35 PM

Brabo!

Well written, and much enjoyed.

(39)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 7:32 PM

I'm a Jew and my relatives had the same experiences

as most Ashkenazi Jews. The difference is that my personal life was way different than yours. I grew up without guidance or direction. I was away from home at the age of thirteen living in drug infested and predatory environments. I never finished grade school. Dead end jobs all my life. Mental illness was the hallmark of my life. But I'm all right now and clean and sober for over ten years. You can't ride on the coattails of your ancestors. You shouldn't. When they accuse you of white privilege, tell them, "I'm ALMOST white."

(38)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 7:30 PM

You misunderstand

I do understand what he is trying to say. I have been "accused" of white privilege by blacks who have had far more advantages than I did simply because they see me as white. I've been told I am responsible for slavery (my grandparents came from families in Europe too poor to own anything) and certainly were not here for that episode of American history. I am proud to be Jewish, proud to be American (I've served in the military) but I do not take well to people telling me to check my privilege when they share the most important one with me-we are all Americans!

(37)
Rose,
May 6, 2014 7:12 PM

Wisdom from the book of Mishlei

"May a stranger praise you and not your mouth, an alien and not your lips." - found in the book of Mishlei (aka Proverbs) That's all! I would say: "Check your inflated ego and tone it down!"

(36)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 7:00 PM

Hypocrite.

This article seems somewhat hypocritical. He refuses to acknowledge white privilege exists where his successes are concerned (having reaped the benefits), but I am sure he and members of his family have experienced the 'other' side of white privilege, having been denied opportunities or privileges simply because their names are 'different.' Like many have commented, many Americans do not consider Jews to be white. They consider Jews as a separate, different race (just ask the white supremacists). So when this author or his family members experienced the negative side of white (anglo-saxon) privilege, I'm sure he was outraged. Hypocrite.

It also saddens me that aish.com would post this article. Even if some do agree with him, this article definitely upsets minority readers and those who sincerely care about social justice.

For those who think white privilege doesn't exist, here's just a couple articles about institutional racism that I came across last week before even reading this article:http://iasp.brandeis.edu/pdfs/Author/shapiro-thomas-m/racialwealthgapbrief.pdfhttp://www.woodstockinst.org/research/paying-more-american-dream-vi-racial-disparities-fhava-lending

(35)
Deb Simon,
May 6, 2014 6:53 PM

You misunderstand "privilege."

My grandparents fled Europe and risked their lives to get to America. My father had to go back to Europe to go to medical school due to quotas in the US against Jews in medical school. I am an international disaster nurse and I can tell you we ARE privleged! Now use that gift for Tikem Olum (Health the Earth) and EVERY DAY give back so you don't become as arrogant as you appear!

SusanE,
May 7, 2014 5:13 PM

Privilege

Yes, I agree.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 7:30 PM

I think it is you who do not understand what 'white privilege' means

It is used as a term to silence any white person who disagrees with the ' grievance industry ' on today's universities. I have always been a firm believer with equal rights for all, regardless of race or religion, and while I supported the Affirmative Action, there comes a point where this discriminatory practice must come to the end. Instead AA is growing, including newer aggrieved groups.

White privilege means that, as a beneficiaries of the preferential treatment over the centuries, as well as the beneficiaries of the mistreatment and exploitation of the so called people of color, white people should step back.

Of cause this is a terribly racist view. Not only the vast majority of Jews in the US had never exploited any minorities, but that also applies to the vast majority of other white people, whose ancestors here worked family farms, worked in coal mines, factories steel mills and small business.

To tell a young White boy to check his White privilege implies that everything he has achieved in life is unearned and only due to his white skin, which gives him some unfair advantage. This is a total nonsense.

As a Jew, given our especially tragic history, you should understand how insulting this is to us. Fortunately, this young student does.

Personally, I had no special privileges, other than being raised by the parents who, as Holocaust survivors, valued education, something that they themselves had been denied, and who were good, tolerant, decent people. Hardly a "White Privilege" needing checking.

(34)
bak613,
May 6, 2014 6:14 PM

expectations

I was pivileged to have parents who would not accept a ‘B’ on a report card. You did not even want to contemplate what would happen if you got a “C”.

Jake's Mum,
May 6, 2014 11:00 PM

Privilege or work / study ethics

I am in total agreement with Scotty's Mum's statement and most of the others commentators .

Firstly Jews have always been marginalized by their Western Hosts (Christian) limited opportunities at Universities (quotas) limited Networking opportunities (country clubs for wasps) to laws determining where and how they love, pograms, holocaust etc etc despite these challenges and prejudices they often rose to fame in almost every faculty if life from arts to science to commerce, without asking for minority rights and empowerment programmes.

My grandmother the daughter of a mixed marriage imparted the wisdom of her forefathers when (despite her privileged background and knowing that it could be snatched from under her feet at any time) she stated "learn, learn as much as you can, because knowledge, is the one thing that no-one can steal or take away from you".

It is the ethic and emphasis that out forefathers and parents place on LEARNING, that is our legacy, whether that can be called a "privilege" I am not sure.

As for the African / Black prejudice and lack of "privilege" I would suggest that the promoters of this theory, look to every African Country that has gained independence from being a Colony, compare the State if those nations at the point of handover - to their current state and explain the demise ?

This blaming of a lack of privilege as a reason for lack of progress is an excuse.

Researchers would have you believe that the cause do theft is poverty, but all white collar theft is not motivated by poverty and more people steal to enhance their lifestyle or take drugs than to. actually eat.

Another issue is a compatirively high birth rate of people in poverty compared to average income or more affluent families.

Cultural values and practices and poor choices are probably a greater cause of failure to advance than political or historical opportunities.

Anna,
May 7, 2014 2:46 AM

I don't see it as a privilege to have parents who wouldn't accept a B. The preesure to achieve an A in a subject that was something that you just couldn't do must be appalling-what happens in Music if you're tone-deaf, which is beyond your control, or in PE if you just can't do it ? My genius IQ brother is dyslexic and would never have an A in English no matter what he did, despite his perfect marks in Maths & Science. I'm glad that I was given credit where it was due and not abused when I didn't have perfect marks in something like PE that I could never do to A standard because I didn't have that talent. I'd rather a child made a real effort, even if it only resulted in a C.

Anna,
May 7, 2014 7:27 AM

Pressure-what a typo.I had As in English, languages, history..but couldn't have had one in maths no matter who taught me...the idea of a mark that is less than an A being unacceptable is terrible. I would see it as a form of abuse to put such pressure and guilt on a child.

(33)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 5:03 PM

I'm confused

After reading what I believe to be the most self-serving article I've seen on this site, I am confused. Early on, the author states he will not apologize for all of his hard work and achievements, then spends most of the rest of the article on all of the hardships his forebears had to overcome in order for HIM to get to his position in life. He seems to believe their difficulties should reflect well on him. They don't. Further, he seems not to realize that we Jews are not thought of as white by most of the rest of the world. Fortunately for him, with his looks, most people will not realize that he is Jewish. Another achievement of which he can be proud.

tom graham,
May 6, 2014 8:10 PM

Works one way

"all of the hardships his forebears had to overcome in order for HIM to get to his position in life. He seems to believe their difficulties should reflect well on him"But when a black or hispanic tells of his people's hardship, the reaction is totally different

As a white Jew in the UK, I can guarantee that I have never suffered from white privilege, In fact, the only privilege I have suffered from is anti-Semitism which no authority will accept responsibility for. I have spent my entire life going to synagogues to pray with protectors on the door, police or embassy trained staff depending on the area. Even our children are not safe when they go to study.

My background is no different to Tal's and, I have no doubt, many others. What those who have grown up this way understand is pressure and guilt. The suffering is handed down and the guilt for those that didn't make it sits on our shoulders, It stays because we cannot forget it, we are still fighting for the right to live and survive in countries that should be protecting us. We are demonetized for living and not being killed in the Holocaust which many people now refuse to accept.

This could be that our governments, especially the American one, is now taking it out on Jews so we have become the issue. Kerry accused Israel of Apartheid but the criminals are those that attack Jews and Israel whilst ignoring the blatant racism from Obama and his cronies and the support that he gives to terrorists whilst demeaning the white population within America.

Perhaps various groups found in the police force here explains it, gay, lesbian, black, women etc but no white heterosexual because it is racist!

Amy,
May 7, 2014 2:45 AM

Excuse me?

Come to America and see how their demeaning the white people! America has favored the whites since the whites came to this country! Obama supporting terrorist! Our government loathes anything terrorist! So please don't talk about racism in America if you don't know what your talking about.

Steven S. Lamb,
May 7, 2014 3:05 AM

Yep

yep

(31)
rgoldstand,
May 6, 2014 4:35 PM

I too was blind...

Oh gosh. So much I'd like to say about this but I think most of it appears in some form or other in previous comments. I imagine there is such a thing as too much PC as well, but it seems to me that this young man and so many like him are simply feeling defensive and are blind to the reality of the Other . White Privilege does not imply that one has not worked hard to get where he is nor that one must apologize or feel guilty about it, but merely realize that the 'natural' laws of action and consequences aren't always applicable to all, as impossible as that may seem to folks who have, in fact, worked hard to make something of themselves. As someone who was once as blind as they are, I can understand how they can make the statements they make and it saddens me to read the article and several of the responses and realize just how off-base an otherwise intelligent, well-meaning person can be and how truly ignorant I used to be. Tomorrow when I make the blessing on G-d opening the eyes of the blind, I will say it with extra meaning...

(30)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:29 PM

It saddens me to read such article on Aish.com. It is so inaccurate; I can’t stress that enough.The audacity to take his grandparents struggles and suffering throughout the holocaust as if they are his own is offensive and disrespectful to the survivors and millions who perished. It has Jewish American Prince written all over it. Don’t you dare compare your life in America to that of Jews and all other war victims in Nazi Europe. Let’s not forget American history and its background of racial segregation and slavery, all of which happened in America and not in Poland! The article assumes that Jews are white. This is again, wrong! Jews are not white and I can assure you that white folks do not consider Jews white. So I am sorry to break your bubble, but no, you are not white! We are Jews!

David,
May 6, 2014 7:36 PM

you missed the entire point

Read the article again.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 3:42 PM

No thanks! But feel free to read my comment again!

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 8:15 PM

Assumptions

Anonymous, May 6, 2014 4:29 PM You, sir, seem to assume that all Jews MUST be leftists and bleeding hearts.

R,
May 7, 2014 3:36 PM

Assumptions

And you seem to assume that I am a sir. I am a Lady. And you missed the point of my comment. It has nothing to do with being leftist. In fact, people who know me would laugh at such suggestion! This dude should not apologize for anything! Except, for writing such rubbish! He also should not think that he is white, because he is not! He also should not take his ancestors' hardships as if he had personally gone through them, because by being in America, he himself did not face the obstacles and tribulations his grandparents faced in Poland. You seem to be as delusional as the author! Have a reality check!

Gina,
May 6, 2014 8:49 PM

thank you!

I am a Sephardic Jew. I am not white. I cannot in good conscience say "anti semitism" about mysef, (which includes middle east people also called semitic, quite correctly ) and then call myself white. I cannot see an article where DNA (!!!) was used to prove in court the defendant being Jewish when it was an advantage to do so to prove rights to stolen property (which I have seen at least once) and then say "white". My relatives died even though they had converted during the Inquisition only to be told by Hitler et al.....you are Jews. shut up and die.(so no, not white...and it's not a religion...religion does not appear on DNA)I once heard my Russian Jewish coworker whose families from mom's and dad's side were all killed by Hitler et al, say she was a "wasp:. She should not have said that around me, is all I have to say.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 7:45 PM

Sephardic or Ashkenazi we are one and the same people

We have different completion shades within our own familiesfrom pale white and blond to olive. It changes nothing. I do not want any special treatment as a Jew, regardless of being fair or not. This Jewish coworker from Russia probably doesn't know what wasp means. There are very few, if any WASPS in Russia so how could she have that ancestry.

steven kalka,
May 6, 2014 9:36 PM

white privilege

Though he didn't suffer through the Holocaust, he shouldn't need to apologize for being white. I'm sorry, if he's marginalized for being white, maybe he should attend a Jewish college or a conservative one. I'm tired of guilt ridden white liberal institutions.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 3:40 PM

The author indeed does need to apologize for being white, because he is not white! So we seem to agree in something!

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 11:17 AM

* meant to say he does NOT need to apologize! oops!

Made a typo! What i meant to say is : "The author indeed does NOT need to apologize for being white, because he is not white! So we seem to agree in something!" And to clarify no one needs to appologise for being born a certain way!

Toni,
May 7, 2014 10:00 PM

One should anybody need to apologize for being white?

Yes, awful lot of bad deeds were done by quite a number of nations, and usually, those with the most guilt not only refuse to apologize but put up statutes to monsters, like in Ukraine or Croatia. Poles refuse to apologize for actively participating in the murder of Jews during the Holocaust, China does apologize for its occupation of Tibet or murder of its own people.

The problem with the US is that the white population in the US today is not the same as that of the time of the slavery. What does the son of the Italian, Swedish, Polish or Czech, Hungarian or Jewish immigrant to this country have to apologize for? Those people never had servants, let alone slaves. They were laborers at the bottom of the social ladder, working hard to survive. The problem is that there are more white people now, descended from the post slavery arrivals than from from the slave owners, so they are not in any sense benefitted from any special accumulated benefits and privileges they amassed due to the fact of being white.

You cannot use racism to fight racism; two wrongs will never make it right.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 11:22 PM

This gentleman needs to grow up and yes "check his privilege"

Nobody is denying that his grandparents suffered. However, there are many who can deny being Jewish...and they do. That is not true about the color of a person's skin. It is with them and it does make a difference to a person of color. There is often an automatic prejudice operating.

(29)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:22 PM

respose to annyonomous

Everything you say is so true. I often look @ other people' s actions. And think , " I could never get away with that ". I feel it is unfair & wonder why . Now I know why. Thank you.

(28)
Netanya Bregman,
May 6, 2014 4:04 PM

The greatest injustice of "check your privilledge"

The greatest injustice of "Check your privilege" it enforces a perception of "progress through class" , it undervalues the effort and labour of not only "white men" but especially people of colour who have risen above through labour and effort to succeed, how did they so it?
Even worse, this concept allows a person of colour, without inherent self motivation and persistence to "cop out" , as opposed to engage opportunities to study and progress etc, it's unhealthy, counter productive

(27)
Karl,
May 6, 2014 3:48 PM

nauseating

I tried to read your whole white article but I had to go to the bathroom and upchuck. Oh yeah, Jews were not considered white by white standards, you should read more history books.

(26)
tom graham,
May 6, 2014 3:46 PM

Great article

Congratulations on a great article.You will probably get criticism from the bleeding hearts in the audience, but what you have said needs to be said.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:18 PM

So sorry for all the suffering & pain so wrongly inflicted on your family

There is no justification for all the pain & suffering wrongly inflicted on your family. And , no words may ever change that or take away the pain. They say " the best revenge is to have a good life ". To lower your moral & ethical standards ( which you obviously have ; just by telling us all this ; & feeling their pain ), is not the answer . Neither is giving in to violence , or bullying . You are on the right path ; education & making our planet a better , safer one. Thank you for sharing.

(25)
Marcus,
May 6, 2014 3:43 PM

The Authors got is so wrong

This article is a complete chillul hashem. You are not a victim of the Holocaust your grandparents were. Don't try to make yourself look to have risen above anything since you did not directly experience those horrors. The article is full of generalisations that are not reflective of reality as most Jews are not blond and blue eyed, and those who are not even considered white by white non Jews. The Abercrombie looking model on the top of the article is not reflective of what Jews look like. As an Aish supporter and donor I am ashamed that such views are published on this excellent website and add zero value towards Jewish leadership and the Jewish mission in this world.

A. Eller,
May 6, 2014 4:06 PM

Chillul Hashem? Wrong.

This fellow is talking about his roots - about which others are sadly mistaken. What Jew whose ancestors went through Jewish trauma would not hold that trauma dear, and part of his/her blood? Your comments are bitter, sad, and way off-base..

Rose,
May 6, 2014 5:12 PM

Eller- you are missing the point

His comment is not bitter at all. He simply said that this article causes embarrassment (that's hardly bitter). And yes, this is a sad article and also sad that you don't see what is wrong with it. A young Jew living in America cannot take his grandparents' sufferings in a Nazi occupied Poland and try to make it his own, because that is delusional and it's also a lie! If you think that is acceptable then you are the one who is off-base! It is a Chilul Hashem and beyond embarrassing!

A. Eller,
May 19, 2014 8:07 PM

Dear Rose,

The Holocaust is imprinted on my soul. I read about, think about and write about its evil. I read think and write about the Germans and the Jews. In my opinion this boy has enough of a sense of his family's history to identify with it, and has made it a part of him, not unlike the way it is a part of me. I see no reason to castigate him for this, or for Jews to argue about it.

(24)
Katherine Gordy Levine,
May 6, 2014 3:42 PM

Cranky Old Lady rant against overuse of "privilege" as an attack.

I am sometimes known as a Cranky Old Lady and have been growing crankier and crankier at the over use of "privilege as a way to attack the others in your life. ." So thank you for this. I pinned it on my Remember What Matters Pinterest Board. Which also goes to twitter and facebook. Bravo for you. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/147141112800284115/

(23)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 3:27 PM

White privilege

No offense to you, but you will never understand what white privilege is. No matter how much research you do or how many people of color you ask. Your skin is white. Until you can get a taste of what it's like in a person of color's skin, you will never fully understand white privilege.

(22)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 3:16 PM

reply to white priviledge

White JEWS (must say JEWS) don't have priviledges we are discriminated against so we have to get top scores and spend more money and work harder and not get into trouble with the law etc....so that we can get into college, and get jobs, and be a success....because Jews tend to naturally do all that and are genetically tending to be smart ....we do pretty well and our 1/10 of one percent of the population gains 50% of the good jobs and college degrees and 85% of the inventions and noble prizes making us look like a HUGE population when we are only 1/10 of 1% of the population....Pharoah said everywhere I look I see too many Jews...they are over crowding us...yes he meant in the fancy rich smart places...NOT THE JAILS NOT THE SLUMS NOT THE BAD PLACES where you see the MAJORITY MINORITIES OVER POPULATING>>>>so blacks and Hispanics make up officially about 55% of the population but I suspect its more like 65% but they don't like to be counted so as not to scare the whites into thinking they are taking over the country (which they slowly are)....yet the blacks will ALWAYS be called the MINORITY and given affirmative action (which means they WIN job and college placement no matter how lousy they do and no matter how well a Jew does) and Jews NEVER have and never will be called a minority cause that might mean they have a right to affirmative action also!

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 3:02 AM

Seriously?

Jews are genetically smarter? Really really? Do you understand how ignorant you sound. And you wanna talk about how Jews are discriminated against.GUESS WHAT SO ARE HISPANICS AND BLACKS!!!!!!! YOU THINK MINORITIES WANT TO CROWD PRISON! But you have laws that SPECIALLY TARGET OUR POPULATION AND A PRISON SYSTEM THAT IS CORRUPTED WITH MONEY WHAT DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO HAPPEN. MINORITY DONT HAVE ACCESS TO GREAT LAWYERS TO DEFEND THEMSELVES IN COURT. But I am not going to there with the Jew lawyer thing because that is a stereotype and I don't believe in those unlike you. And just so you know I am a minority who will be going to college and many of friends will be going to college. Not every minority is what you see in the media. Learn the facts.

(21)
Beth,
May 6, 2014 3:09 PM

White Privilege is VERY REAL

To Anna and #9 Anonymous, Bravo! White privilege is VERY real. I am an African American female and I write with GREAT respect for Judaism and its roots in my Christian faith. It saddens me so to see how your ancestors struggled- as have mine- and how we are well into the 21st century and this business over the privilege of white skin is STILL an issue and sticking point for all of us, whether we care to admit and own it or not. I have an advanced degree. My maternal grandparents were sharecroppers and dealt with their share of white privilege- as did my paternal grandmother,who was a college professor. ALL of my predecessors worked HARD and SACRIFICED...but as much as I hate to admit it, color is STILL a factor.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 10:42 PM

Beth

You are obviously accomplished, coming from a great and accomplished family and yet you worry that some people may view through the lens of you race? Why? It doesn't matter; those people do not matter. There will always be people who are racists, antisemites and generally, bigots of some sorts, in every segment of the population and among all racial and religious groups. There no way to legislate it away.The only thing you can legislate is that all people regardless of race, religion and national origin are treated equally under the law. Any other legislation leads to abuses and reverse discrimination, and there is no such a think as a fair, good discrimination.Fortunately, overt expressions of anti-Black racism are no longer tolerated by the society at large. Unfortunately, antisemitic bigotry is still well tolerated, provided it is packaged in the anti-Zionism jargon, or the expressions of antisemitism are uttered by a protected ' official' minority. Note that both Al Sharpton and Jessy Jackson, bigots both, are accepted and embraced as civil rights leaders by the society at large.Very much like the author of this article, you were blessed with loving and ambitious parents who imparted good values on you leading you to your achievements. You are also ambitious and hard working to achieve what you did. Be proud of you achievement and of those who made you who you are. You don't forget your Black heritage, but don't let it completely rule over your life.Don't be surprised, but most people looking at you don't see a Black woman, but just a woman, just another human being.

(20)
RC,
May 6, 2014 3:07 PM

Don't Even

Don't even think you can fathom the life you would have 'worked for' were you not a white male. The difference would have dropped you to your knees. You say you have checked your privilege and apologize for nothing? Not to worry. There are plenty of white males who are wise enough and humble enough to do it for you.

(19)
Beth,
May 6, 2014 2:54 PM

This country is being turned upside down, and the losers will be all of us

I grew up in a liberal Democratic home. Racism was considered the sin of sins. I do not consider myself a racist, yet with this "white skin privilege" business and a president who plays the race card when it serves him and has an extremely close relationship and supporter of the horrifically racist Muslim Brotherhood and Islam, in general, was in a church for 20 years with the racist Rev. Wright, who cursed Jews, whites and the USA, I've been slowly re-evaluating the effects of this knee-jerk white privilege phenomenon and finding there's quite an unhealthy side. One example is that whites are frequently assumed guilty and publicly demonized in this scenario. When George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, the academia, media, public etc., automatically presumed Zimmerman Jewish and guilty, even wearing hoodies. Meanwhile Martin's sordid life was hidden from us. When three white lacrosse team members at Duke were accused by a black professional stripper of rape, everybody assumed the boys must be guilty because they were white and she was black. They were expelled from Duke, their reputations destroyed though they were later exonerated. When Shaima Alawadi was found murdered and a note placed beside her body that made it sound like a racial/Islamophobe murder, her husband automatically received support. There was a wear-a-hijab day in solidarity with Muslims/foreigners. The media assumed it must have been someone white. We find though that it was an Honor Killing by her husband (Shaima wanted a divorce), and he knew he could count on the primed collective self-guilt of whites. Anyone not going along with this PC charade is demonized. Quite frankly, I have begun to think that this president is a result of "black skin privilege" -- a political novice, lacking notable legislative or professional achievements, with racist bigots as mentors, collaborators and friends. Could a white presidential candidate get away with that?

tw,
May 6, 2014 8:45 PM

i'm in agreement

beth you are right on

(18)
John Wakefield,
May 6, 2014 2:53 PM

Pathetic

The self assumption behind this odious phrase is that the person uttering it feels that he or she is, in fact, inferior to the person being addressed. I prescribe reading Kipling's 'If', particularly the bit about not losing the common touch. Political correctness has got to the point of making my gorge rise.

(17)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:53 PM

By saying your ancestors "worked hard" and thus you now have "privilege", you're implying that "underprivileged" people didn't work as hard as they did and that's exactly the problem: they did but their efforts went systematically unrecognized for the most part only for the fact that their skin color was other than white. Other people's ancestors suffered as much as yours did. You can't justify white privilege with what your ancestors went through. African-Americans worked and suffered more than any other group in history - 300 years of slavery in subhuman conditions, segregation, assassinations, etc. and they're still at the bottom, facing discrimmination daily more than any other group.In our society, being a minority feels like being intrinsically deformed and thus unwanted. Also, it's not just a social struggle, it's a struggle within one's mind as it becomes difficult not to absorve negative perceptions of ourselves in this racist atmosphere. A white person may think himself "self-motivated" when their positive self-perception only comes from reinforced positive messages he has been exposed to all his life to the detriment of other groups.You don't have to feel guilty, though. It's not your fault.

Carol,
May 6, 2014 5:55 PM

I think (17) Anonymous has an extremely myopic view of history

This is not a contest, but Jews have been suffering far longer than blacks for being a minority, by several thousand years. Enslaved not just by Egyptians, but by a host of other countries and cultures -- Babylonians, Romans, Muslims and the list goes on. Yet, not without severe losses and brutal oppression, Jews have generally rebounded by hard work. This is true even in the face of quotas AGAINST Jews by American universities. And there is no question that many Jews, not unlike their black brothers, have absorbed this self-hate and negativity.

Part of the negativity to black students comes from the solution being employed. Because maintaining racially "diverse" student bodies is now a legal obligation, some schools have taken to providing monetary incentives to black students who meet normal standards. These scholarships, grants and rewards are not made to students who first demonstrate that they are actually disadvantaged by race or any other factor. Many of the recipients come from quite privileged backgrounds. The benefits are granted to these students because of their race. To do so to white or Jewish students would considered racist.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 3:11 AM

The problem with this is that one is assuming the other is facing more discrimination. Jews and blacks face discrimination at a similar level. The problem with this guy, the man who wrote this article, is that people look at him and see a white man. They don't see Jew. Thus they aren't pushing that discrimination into him. He is receiving white privilege because people think he is white! Once he understand that than maybe thus terrible article wouldn't have been made.

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 3:26 PM

Slavery in Antiquity is almost incomparable to what happened in colonial America. Nothing alike has ever happened in history. Besides, although, as you pointed out, this is not a contest Jews never endured 300 years of uninterrupted slavery (they were in Egypt for 400 years but not as slaves from the beginning).Like the author of this article, you're implying that white Jews worked harder than other people and that that's what justifies their privilege.I'm of mixed-race Jewish ancestry and, trust me, that's not the case at all.It's incredible how ready 'outsiders' are to discredit and deny the experience of millions of people every day.

(16)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:46 PM

White Male Privilege Does Exist

I think that the writer is a highly intelligent young man who is privileged, not just because of his skin color, but also of his socioeconomic class. I wonder how many friends - actual friends - he has who are not of his class or color. Please, Tal, volunteer at a Head Start, or work at a church that serves the homeless, or even get to know women who work in fields from hotel maids to teachers in the ghettos. Yes, you are privileged.

(15)
Eli,
May 6, 2014 2:29 PM

I understand your message and agree that the world has taken their message to the extreme with resultant reverse discrimination to the extent that people are made to feel ashamed for being who they are. It is shameful and inexcusable. At the same time, there is an element of truth to it. While I have no doubt that you have worked long and hard to get where you are, your contemporary man of color may have done the same with less satisfactory results because of skin color alone.Aside from the actual message you convey, you have very strong writing skills that invoke emotion and present powerfully. You bring your message to life-or to larger than life I should say. I hope to see more articles from you and wish you luck in pursuing your career.

(14)
Otis R. Needleman,
May 6, 2014 2:20 PM

I have no "moral superiors".

Never let such self-proclaimed "moral superiors" get inside your head. White privilege? WHAT white privilege? As a white man, have been passed over for several jobs in favor of people of other races. Anyone who tells you to "check your privilege" isn't worth listening to.

(13)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:13 PM

Condescending and insulting

Why is Aish reprinting this racist article and giving a voice to this whiny brat? Listen, bub: When you say the "privileges" you've received because of racism are really because of your ancestors' "hard work," you're slapping every single minority in this country in the face. What about the Native Americans who kept the land for years before settlers stole it, massacred them, forced them onto reservations? What about the African American slaves who literally built the country and economy for hundreds of years? What about the Asian Americans who built the railroads almost for free, and built their own businesses and farms, only to be driven out in pogroms by whites or herded into concentration camps? All these people's ancestors worked hard, yet all of them still face intense societal racism leading to discrimination and inequality. For example, a couple years ago Princeton got into another scandal when it was revealed they were discriminating against Asian applicants, the same way they discriminated against Jewish applicants a hundred years ago. I don't know whether you've ever experienced anti-Semitism (which is a whole different animal), but you clearly have never experienced racism.

Try googling "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy MacIntosh. That document completely turned me around regarding the existence of privilege and finally got me to acknowledge my own. Do I "apologize" for it? Heck no, but my awareness of it does motivate me to do my part to stop racism and make the world a better place.

I am ashamed to be reading this hateful, passive-aggressive screed in a place like Aish. I am even more disappointed to hear it coming from a Jew.

(12)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:12 PM

The writer totally misunderstands the concept of privilege

When someone is told to check his or her privilege, it does not mean that s/he hasn't worked hard to get where s/he is. The reality, however, is that if the writer were a woman of color, he would have had to work much, much harder, and may still not have gotten there. Women and minorities are less likely to be encouraged in school, less likely to be mentored, and less likely to be noticed by the teachers who would support their efforts. The are more likely to be passed over for awards, academic opportunities, and internships. They are simply not taken as seriously as white males, and have to work, constantly, to prove themselves as superior - not equal, superior - in order to be considered "peers" in academia or the workforce.

(11)
Dan,
May 6, 2014 1:57 PM

Life isn't necessarily fair

Some are born privileged, others not. Why apologize?

(10)
Miriam,
May 6, 2014 10:54 AM

Excellent article.

I'd like to add that even if you were born into generations of spoiled privilege, like the British aristocracy of years ago, there's no reason to "check your privilege". There is a G-d in the world who puts each person where they are in life and each person's job is to do the best they can with the tools they have. A "privileged" person has a right to his opinions as does every other human being. And every human being has free choice regarding the decisions they make. Yes, even people born into extreme poverty have free choice.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 1:29 PM

Tal Fortgang -White enough?

As a convert to Judaism, I'm proud to say that I'm even whiter, and enjoy even more white privilege, than Tal Fortgang.

(9)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 6:00 AM

White privilege does exist. That is a fact that you cannot argue. But that's just one type of PRIVILEGE BASED ON SKIN COLOR. You cannot deny that. You also do not have to apologize for your appearance that you are born with.

And nobody is asking about your ancestry. The argument is about how a person with white skin color is favored in the US, and not about how much difficulties your ancestors had. If you have a White skin, there are certain privileges that come with it and a person of color might not have the same thing. It's a simple discussion. There are White people who are very poor, and do not have certain privileges but they still have the privilege as White people--do you understand the argument?

Did you have any difficulty growing up just because you were a White male? I'm asking about YOU, not about your ancestors.

There are other types of privileges that your ancestors certainly did not have. That is not based on the skin color and it is a different discussion. Your having a privilege now does not negate your ancestors' suffering and lack of other types of privilege in the past.

I might be the only Asian female reading this article in this website. I'm here for my interest and respect for Judaism, but this article made me quite sad and uncomfortable as I feel I'm seeing how hostility between races and cultures develop. What we need is understanding of each other with kind heart. Let's set our ego aside and put ourselves in other's shoe. Aren't we all coming from One source according to your Jewish religion?

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 1:28 PM

I completely agree with you.

Aryeh Baer,
May 6, 2014 2:22 PM

Well said

Thank you for writing this response to the article. These were my thoughts exactly when I read this article, though you articulate them far better than I could. I do not know the setting in which the author was told this statement - he does not give that information - though his lack of self-awareness in understanding what the phrase generally means is startling and unfortunate.

Rachel,
May 6, 2014 2:23 PM

What world do you live in?

How many Asians don't get admitted into schools because they aren't some different minority?Can you explain why we have an African American President and Attorney General if skin color is such a disadvantage?Also, explain why so many supposedly racist whites just love Oprah, and why she's so rich and powerful.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:48 PM

what a snobbish piece of writing

You are so right, anonymous. This article is so arrogant and made me feel so embarassed.My grandparents also escaped the war and struggled to give my parents a better, educated life. As a result me and my siblings achieved a lot, professionally speaking. We check our privileges every time .

Donna,
May 6, 2014 3:02 PM

Not a fact

"White privilege does exist. That is a fact that you cannot argue. "Care to site proof to back this "fact"? You're entitled to your own opinion, not your own facts. The Fact is that everyone in this country has the same opportunity to achieve most anything they can dream of. What will prevent that is blaming your failure on someone else. If you fail it's not because of "white privilege". Blame is what's causing a lot of the racial tension we're seeing. G-d gives us all we need to be the best person we can be and make the best life we can. Some of us have more struggles than others but it's what we do with them that determine our success.

Natasha,
May 6, 2014 3:46 PM

Good Point

I remember reading an article by a Jewish immigrant into America where she writes 'We were not white until we arrived in America'. White privilege is not about your past or the past of any black or other ethnic minority trying to get ahead, it is about the present.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:32 PM

reply

"What we need is understanding of each other with kind heart." I think you've just answered the crux of your entire comment. Isn't this what the author is asking for - that we should be judged on our individual merit and not the colour of our skin.

(8)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 5:14 AM

Excellent!

This is excellent! Thank you so much for posting it!

(7)
Yosef,
May 6, 2014 5:13 AM

Great!

Beautiful message....beautiful writing......thank you....!

(6)
Anna,
May 5, 2014 11:23 PM

You Have No Idea

When I read your article, my first impression relative to your analysis of not apologizing for "white privilege" either came from a young man who is very arrogant or has been isolated from minorities in this country. They have real problems of getting opportunities not because of a lack of hard work, but because of their minority status. You justified your Jewish experience through the lens of your grandparents horrific experience and inhuman persecution by the Nazi. However, it was not you. You cannot take credit for that experience or for the suffering they endured.The only thing we all can take away from the 6 million Jews who sacrificed their lives based on hatred in Europe was not about "white privilege" but because of their religion. They died holding onto their faith in Hashem. They are the real heroes, not you or me. Their experiences are the learning curve that has been presented to us to reject the notion that hatred of others has no place among the Jews even if their skin is "white." We are never to showcase our arrogance because of color. White privilege is very real. Ask some one of color who struggles daily, works very hard,and carries a good work ethic, and by the way, has been passed over from opportunities, not because he/she doesn't work hard or not intellectually qualified, but because their skin is not White. Today's written history in America tells us that racism still exist in this nation. Ask any God-fearing American about the recent racist comments by Donald Sterling, the owner of the NBA, Clippers. You may want to read about African-American history before you judge why "White Priviledge" is being commented upon. You may end up apologizing to many minorities in this nation. By the way, I am an American Jew whose father is Black.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 1:37 PM

Again no evidence but nice try.

carol,
May 6, 2014 4:17 PM

Yours is a rather jaded view

I don’t see him calling himself a hero. He is saying that like African Americans, his close ancestors suffered horrendous treatment and odds (for far longer) and overcame – without resorting to demanding virtually any accommodations. That should be lauded as a model of excellence, not something that is the object of degradation and criticism.

And yes, by most people in the world, Jews are considered a race. They have been slaughtered in the most obscene way because of their alleged racial inferiority, and there is every indication that anti-Semitism is on the frightening upswing again in virtually every place in the world. Try going to most Muslim countries as a Jew, where they sing the praises of Hitler.

And again, in light of the tsunami of verbal and physical harassment of Jewish students across the U.S. at some of its most prestigious universities by anti-Semitic, ostensibly “pro-Palestinian” Nazi-like rallies and BDS movements, I think the affected students can make a fair case that being an identifiably Jewish student at many American universities is becoming heroic.

Perhaps while you have been so focused on your father being black, you haven’t noticed the growing demonization and anti-Semitic acts against Jews.

There are litmus tests in European universities that Jews have to publicly come out against the State of Israel to retain their university jobs.

If you think it’s been bad being part black, you are going to be in for a real nasty surprise with the continued rise in anti-Semitism at all levels.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:18 PM

I Don't Get It.

There is nothing in this article saying that the writer is taking credit for what his predecessors accomplished. He is saying that they did it for their progeny, and he is one of the progeny - for which there is no need to apologize. Furthermore, he has thought about and taken the burdens of his ancestors to heart. And there is nothing in this article either explicit or implied saying a word about anyone else and his battles, except for the fact that no one can know what the next guy has gone through by the way he looks. Somehow people are bringing their own business to the meaning of this article.

Toni,
May 6, 2014 5:23 PM

Anna, there is no White Priviledge

Anna, please loose your 'minority ' whine and stand on your your own two feet. You are a beneficiary of an affirmative action, which is a privilege, Black and Hispanic.I am a Jewish refugee from Poland, who arrived stateless and penniless to the US, with just my mother, in 1970, after the 1968 purges. I was not afforded any special status in education or employment. We Jews have learned over the last two thousand years that we have to adapt in order to just survive, let alone thrive. If the door opens to us, we do everything to acquire skills and education, because only our skills are portable. That's why we do not ask for an affirmative action; just don't slam the door into our faces.

Blacks like to blame their failure on everybody, but themselves. Enough. We Jews have lost our country over 1800 years ago and since then we were treated as a property, killed, abused, expelled and robbed in every country we lived, but the US. Until the end of XIX century had no civil rights in any European country, but Napoleon's France, and absolutely rights in any Muslim country, unless given by an European colonial powers, if they so chose. Yes, we were discriminated in education, employment and housing until the end of WWII and beyond, even in the US, so lecture us about discrimination.Holocaust is not a distant history for me and many other Jews; because many of us are the children and the grandchildren of the survivors and we lived our daily lives with the ghost of our murdered grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins under our roof. Most of us came as refugees: refugees of Russian pogroms; refugees after the Holocaust; refugees after the 1968 purges of Jews in Poland; refugees from oppression in Russia in the 1970s and 1980s.

And despite all that, we do not make it our custom to feel permanently 'under privileged' like you seem to do.

You are not being discriminated against, Anna, so loose your Black privilege.

Anna,
May 7, 2014 1:12 AM

You sound sooooo priviledged !

Toni, the only thing I suggest for you is read the Jewish history written in the Torah. Your assumption is very false. I too went to school and also to law school. I worked hard, but unlike you, I am not patting myself on the back by blaming the African Americans because they are seeking and asking for justice. I have been taught to give back to the world that is broken. Your generalizations about African Americans appear to be stemmed from the worst kind of racism...ignorance. You probably never had a real relationship with any person of color. The majority of Jews I have encountered in my life have been very kind and doing their best to fix the world by helping the less privileged population, the poor, the disabled, and yes, African Americans and other minorities. True justice which the Torah speaks of is our ability to exercise good deeds. You are just talking about your past achievements because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and feel justified to sit on your throne of privilege and pass judgment. Shame on you that you forgot that all of us are created in the image of God. Look into the mirror and ask yourself what can I do to fix the world which Hashem can be glorified.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 8:23 PM

Anna, I am not patting myself on the shoulder, just getting on with my life

Jewish history did not end with the Torah; it still goes on. I would suggest you take some Jewish history classes, but I worn you, the pogroms and expulsions get a tad repetitive.

Since like me you went to Law School, you had to take LSAT, and so did I. And yet, even though English was not my second language, you got the Affirmative Action advantage to help you get into Law School and I had to 'check my White privilege' , when the Admission office reviewed our prospective applications and LSAT scores. Sorry, I was probably also a beneficiary of an unfair advantage - I was a female, as was over a half of my class.

Could you explain to me why is it that you were deserving of any special advantage? I sure do not ask for the 'female' points.

We Jews have a tendency to want to ' fix the world' and sometimes we even get it right. Often time, we just meddle and are insultingly patronizing. I do not wish to patronize you or anybody else and I will give you the full respect, but only when you are willing to check your Black privilege -- the Affirmative Action.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 9:11 PM

I am soooo privileged...ha, ha, ha

Anna , I have worked with Black people most of my life. I don't judge people by the color of their skin but I encountered a lot of antisemitism among Black, something I couldn't understand.You believe me to be privileged and raised with a silver spoon in my mouth which is racist and presumptuous, since you know nothing of me, that could lead you to that conclusion, other than I am white and Jewish.So, let's start right here. Both my parents had only 7 grade education and came from very poor families, as most Polish Jews did. During the war, they escaped to the Soviet Union, my mother not yet 16 at the time. In the Soviet Union, my father served in the Army, while my mother was surviving pretty much on her own, working in coal mines and collective farms and factories in Siberia.After the war each of my parents return to Poland to find out that only one of my mother's brothers survived and nobody from my father's side of the family. Poland was a communist country after the war and my parents met, married, had me and worked. Until 1968, when Polish government started antisemitic purges. My father I expectantlydied of cancer in 1969 and my mother and I left the country 3 months later.Upon arriving in the US, my mother worked in a sweat shop, I, at first in the office, than hospital. I married had 2 bright kids and went back to school and LS.

Now, that's a silver spoon for you. The difference between you and me is that my mother I have always thought that the US afforded us a very good life, full of opportunities. Granted, nobody in my family has any business abilities and we all work for people who do, by we were always satisfied with our lot. I never heard my mother complain how hard she worked, nor did my husband. Yes, I am privileged in many ways , but not in the way you understand it.Your silver spoon comment shows envy, that one of the deadly sins, I believe. What exactly do you envy me?

anna,
May 8, 2014 9:09 PM

I feel sorry for you.

Stop justifying your right to judge others, particularly African Americans.I am a Jew just like you. My mother is Hungarian. MY FATHER is AfricanAmerican. You cannot judge another when you have not walked in his/her shoes. All of Your experiences as a female,Jewish, and white are mute. Jews are not white. We are Jews. Our conversation is over. I suggest that you get a new pair of shoes. You cannot understand theminorities. If you just see white privilegeas your crutch in life then it may bethat you are not secure in your ownskin. Soooo white priviledge get over yourself. Look around and you will seemany intelligent, hard working, dignified, and G-d fearing AfricanAmericans and other minorities who are Americans. Go to Israel and you will find the majority of Jews happen to have color. Yet color does not define who we are as Jews. It is the Torah!

(5)
Avraham Turetsky,
May 5, 2014 11:13 PM

I couldn't have said it better myself

Right on! We are indeed standing on the shoulders of those that came before us. But as you most eloquently put it:

"Those who came before us suffered for the sake of giving us a better life. When we similarly sacrifice for our descendants by caring for the planet, it’s called “environmentalism,” and is applauded. But when we do it by passing along property and a set of values, it’s called “privilege.” Such sacrifice of any form shouldn't be scorned, but admired."

(4)
Neicee,
May 5, 2014 8:47 PM

Thank You

Young man, I'm sending your article to my granddaughter. She has allowed people in the state where she lives to intimidate her into dying her hair almost black. She's actually blonde with turquoise eyes but feels she no longer fits in where she lives. Our world seems to be what is up is actually down, or some such nonsense. Your ancestors passed a great legacy on to you. It's simple common sense with a big helping of knowing where you came from and pride in carrying your famiy's legacy forward. Enjoyed very much. Very best of luck in the future and G-d's richest blessings in your life.

(3)
Anonymous,
May 5, 2014 6:09 PM

As a black woman I should check my privelge too

Awesome, awesome article! Based on the things written I should check my privilege too. I grew up in a nice suburban home, attending private school, and top college. All of this happened because the hard work, sacrifice, and complete dedication of my family who valued education and always put their children first. My mother grew up in the ghetto, went to segregated schools and experienced tremendous racism. She never made excuses for herself and did not blame those mistreating her. She only worked hard and used her free will to make the best choices available to her including putting herself through college and graduate school. So now her children have privilege too.

(2)
Nancy,
May 5, 2014 1:55 PM

Awesome indeed! You certainly do not need to apologize for anything. However, I hope you will choose to help individuals who may be in need.

(1)
pearl,
May 5, 2014 10:59 AM

I like your gumption

Awesome! a college student that is not PC and proud!!! Keep your head up and carry on! You certainly have a good set of values that was bequeathed by those who came before you...not a privilege just a legacy to maintain and not squander.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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